The Project works with four industry Value Chains:

Catfish Industry Value Chain Development Programme (Abia, Kaduna, Lagos and Oyo):

The first, for the catfish industry in Abia, Kaduna, Lagos, and Oyo state has been completed. The work undertaken by the project brought significant technological improvements in production and developed industry wide standards and accreditation systems through the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) and the Lagos Branch of the Catfish Association of Nigeria (CAFAN). Through its success the project was able to leverage Israeli Government funding to undertake supplementary training of 25 veterinarians.

Overall, more than 300 specialists were trained, some training materials were prepared and disseminated, 6 demonstration farms launched and 11 BDS providers offering industry specific services in all 4 states are being assisted.

Eleven Catfish Industry BDS Providers were awarded performance grants and have almost completed institutionalizing the changes in production and other technologies promoted during the one year study. To date the 11 BDS Providers have served 423 MSMEs and achieved a 29% rate of cost recovery.

Furthermore, the PMU engaged the services of expert on catfish for the supervision of the eleven (11) catfish industry BDS providers. The Consultant has completed the first field visit and submitted a report.

Cross River Tourism Value Chain Development Programme:
The Tourism Industry Value Chain Development Programme in Cross River State branded Tourism for Employment & Opportunity (TEMPO) is progressing as planned with the receipt of a satisfactory inception report. TEMPO is being implemented by a consortium led by Citizens Development Corps, (USA) and others include Development In Nigeria and Nextzon Business Outsourcers. In April, the consultants held a stakeholders consultative forum at the Amber Hotel, Tinapa, Cross River State; and they have since issued a call for expression of interests to BDS providers.

Abia Palm Oil Value Chain Development Programme:
The Palm Oil Industry Value Chain Development Programme in Abia State is being implemented by e-Gen Consultants, Bangladesh. Progress to date includes the preparation of an inception report and arrangements to hold a stakeholders consultative forum within the next three months.

Kaduna Rice Value Chain Development Programme:
The Rice Industry Value Chain Development Programme in Kaduna State is being implemented by a consortium led by Bayou Farms International Limited. The PMU received, reviewed and found the Inception Report to be consistent with the Terms of Reference. On March 26, the PMU had a meeting with the Executive Governor His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State where it formally introduced the team and briefed him on the progress of the assignment and the activities of the Project in the State.

For more information contact please: The BDS Fund Manager, Mike Bassey; mbassey@msme-nigeria.org